Synonyms of antithetical

antithetical

adjective

ˌan-tə-ˈthe-ti-kəl 

as in contradictory

being as different as possible

spiritual concerns and ideals that are antithetical to the materialism embraced by modern society

Synonyms & Similar Words

• contradictory
• opposite
• contrary
• unfavorable
• diametric
• polar
• divergent
• antipodal
• negative
• hostile
• antagonistic
• antipodean
• adverse
• unlike
• dissimilar
• counter
• cross
• disparate
• reverse
• antipathetic
• alien
• inverse
• converse
• unalike
• obverse

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• similar
• analogous
• like
• same
• noncontradictory
• identical
• equivalent
• alike
• synonymous

Synonym Chooser

How does the adjective antithetical differ from other similar words?

Some common synonyms of antithetical are contradictory, contrary, and opposite. While all these words mean "being so far apart as to be or seem irreconcilable," antithetical stresses clear and unequivocal diametrical opposition.

a law that is antithetical to the very idea of democracy

When can contradictory be used instead of antithetical?

While in some cases nearly identical to antithetical, contradictory applies to two things that completely negate each other so that if one is true or valid the other must be untrue or invalid.

made contradictory predictions about whether the market would rise or fall

When might contrary be a better fit than antithetical?

While the synonyms contrary and antithetical are close in meaning, contrary implies extreme divergence or diametrical opposition.

contrary assessments of the war situation

In what contexts can opposite take the place of antithetical?

The meanings of opposite and antithetical largely overlap; however, opposite applies to things in sharp contrast or in conflict.

opposite views on foreign aid

Example Sentences

Recent Examples of antithetical

This contempt for the minority is antithetical to democratic thinking. —Alex Ross, New Yorker, 19 Mar. 2026

Coupled with adoration is an entitlement people feel to her, an element antithetical to her swag. —Marcus Thompson Ii, New York Times, 11 Mar. 2026

After all, the concept is considered antithetical or anathema to the Iranian Revolution, which deposed the monarchy led by the shah, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, in 1979. —Eric Lob, The Conversation, 5 Mar. 2026

By and large, the siblings’ Hollywood sensibilities — David’s explosions, spectacle and big budgets to Megan’s auteurs, festivals and awards — have been seen as antithetical. —Mia Galuppo, HollywoodReporter, 5 Mar. 2026

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